Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy with Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Medial Knee Osteoarthritis

Presenter: C. Whanyong

This study analyzed autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in 30 knees (29 patients) with medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis with genu varum. Patients were randomized into MSC (n=15) and control (n=15) groups.

Postoperatively, cartilage coverage was significantly greater in the MSC group (4.4 vs. 0.9; p<0.001), with recovery rates of 79.6% vs. 32.0% (p<0.001) at one year post-operatively. MOCART scores (73.7 vs. 51.5; p<0.001) and Koshino scores (2.8 vs. 1.6; p<0.001) favored MSC therapy at one year post-operatively. IKDC scores (monitored at 3, 6, and 9 months and 1 year post-operatively) improved significantly in both groups (~81 vs. ~80; p<0.001), with no between-group difference. MSCs enhanced cartilage regeneration beyond HTO alone.

Tissue-Specific Responses of 3D-Cultured Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MsCs) inI Osteogenic Commitment Involves Simultaneously Rapid Responses in Transcriptional and Mitochondrial Processes

Presenter: M.-L. Yen

This study explored metabolic and transcriptional changes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under 2D vs. 3D culture conditions. Whole transcriptome analysis revealed significant enrichment of cell adhesion and mitochondria-related pathways in 3D-cultured MSCs. Functionally, 3D culture promoted larger spheroid formation, enhanced mitochondrial activity, and upregulated osteogenic markers RUNX2 and osteoprotegerin. Single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed enrichment of clusters expressing mitochondrial and osteogenesis-related genes. Importantly, inhibition of mitochondrial function suppressed osteogenic differentiation in short-term 3D culture, highlighting its critical role.

These findings demonstrate that 3D culture rapidly accelerates osteogenic commitment through mitochondrial processes, underscoring translational potential for bone tissue engineering in osteoporosis.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Intraarticular Allogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 2 & 3 Knee Osteoarthritis

Presenter: S. Londhe

This retrospective analysis evaluated intra-articular allogenic mesenchymal stem cell (AMSC) injections combined with hyaluronic acid in 8 knees (6 patients; mean age 54.38 years) with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 2–3 knee osteoarthritis (OA) refractory to conventional medical therapy. Visual Analogue Score (VAS) improved significantly from 6.5 pre-procedure to 3.25 at 12 months (p<0.0001) in patients treated with AMSC. Oxford Knee Score (OKS) increased from 25.13 to 37.25 (p<0.0001). No local or systemic adverse events were reported.

The findings suggest intra-articular AMSC injections to be safe and effective for pain reduction and functional improvement in moderate knee OA (KL Grade 2 & 3 OA) at 12 months post-injection, though a larger real-world evidence is warranted, apart from available clinical trial evidence.

WCO-IOF-ESCEO Congress, April 16-19, 2026, Prague, Czech Republic.